Controlled construction of hierarchical Co1−xS structures as high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Novel 3D hierarchical flower-like Co_1−xS architectures were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal process using trisodium citrate (Na₃Cit) as a chelating agent. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-prepared products were characterized and the results demonstrated that the Na₃Cit could efficiently control the formation of flower-like Co_1−xS hierarchitectures. A possible growth mechanism for this hierarchical flower-like Co_1−xS nanostructure was proposed on the basis of a series of time-dependent experiments, and this work provides an efficient route for designing desirable micro-/nanostructures. The flower-like Co_1−xS nanostructures were fabricated as anode materials of lithium ion batteries and tested in the range of 0.01 V–3.00 V. The initial discharge capacity was up to 1244 mAh g⁻¹ at the current density of 50 mA g⁻¹. The electrochemical measurement suggested that the flower-like Co_1−xS nanostructures have high capacity and excellent cycle stability as a Li-ion battery anode.